London, Thanasis Gavos

Greece finds India as a possible “strong” ally in claiming the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum, as the New Delhi government is preparing an international initiative for the return of its own treasures from Britain, reports a Daily Telegraph report.

The British newspaper revealed that the Indian government is planning a far-reaching campaign to repatriate, among other things, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is part of the royal collection of jewels and precious stones (it adorned the crown of Queen Elizabeth and has now passed to the Queen Camila).

India reportedly plans to become a voice for countries claiming repatriation of cultural treasures, as well as pressuring other major economic powers to do the same.

In particular, the Telegraph’s information states that as the G20 chairman, India intends to present at the September meetings a declaration on the repatriation of objects removed from their countries under conditions of colonial appropriation or similar conditions.

The paper says the US appears to be open to such a declaration and that such a development would make the G20 meeting “uncomfortable” for British delegates.

The declaration being drafted by New Delhi is about general ethical principles on repatriation, which would perhaps conflict with national legislation such as the 1963 British Museum Act.

India has identified the protection and repatriation of cultural property as one of the four priorities of its G20 presidency on cultural issues.

India’s Culture Minister Leela Pandeya tells the Telegraph:

“What we will seek is to agree on general principles for rehabilitation and repatriation, above and beyond these laws. It is also an opportunity for other countries to show that they are doing the right thing by taking action in this area. I hope that other countries will accept what we are trying to do and that we can reach a consensus and be open about the past.”